USM’s Centennial Exhibit

     http://www.usm.edu/centennial/

The University of Southern Mississippi had the pleasure of celebrating its centennial birthday in March of 2010. Upon such a joyful celebration, the university set up an exhibit in the R.C. Cook Library to display various donations given to the university to celebrate 100 years. 


Within the exhibit USM’s rich history is recorded and proudly displayed. At the entrance, an aerial view of campus hangs on the wall. This design was created by Chattanooga architect, R.H. Hunt, in 1910. On July 25, 1911 the design for the construction of College Hall, Hattiesburg Hall, Forrest County Hall, the Honor House, and the Ogletree House was approved.

A few steps away from the campus’s blueprint is a display of a red band coat worn by a Pride band member during the 1960s and 1970s. Though red is not traditionally one of USM’s school colors, red coats wore worn to honor then president, William D. McCain, and his Scottish heritage. Also at that time, The Pride was accompanied by a bagpipe ensemble to additionally honor McCain’s Scottish ancestry.

Perhaps the most recognizable building on campus is what students and faculty refer to as “The Dome.” However, the legitimate name of “The Dome” is the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building, named after USM’s sixth president.  Yet another staple in USM’s history is the establishment of the Dixie Darlings. The Dixie Darlings were established in 1952 as an accompaniment to The Pride of Mississippi. Even in the 1950s the Darlings sported the famous white boots and gloves along with a black velvet top and shorts adorned with gold embellishments, much like the uniform worn by present day Darlings.

Though the Dixie Darlings are a symbol of USM, perhaps an even bigger symbol is Eagle athletics. USM’s first football team can be traced back to 1912 consisting of thirteen men total. The first football team played their premiere football game at Kamper Park against a local Boy Scout troop although later games were played against various opponents such as Mississippi College, Southwestern Louisiana, and long-time rival, Ole Miss. Since its premiere in 1912, USM athletics have gone through various mascot changes, about six total. Some past mascots include the Tigers, Normalties, Yellow Jackets, Confederates, Southerners, and finally the Golden Eagles.

Though Southern Miss experienced various changes with what symbol should represent the university, one symbol has stood the test of time. Black and gold have acted as USM’s colors since its opening. Inspiration for the colors came from a student, Florence Burrow Pope, who after seeing Black Eyed Susan flowers became inspired to propose black and gold as a contender for the school’s colors.  After a student-wide vote, black and gold became the official colors of the University of Southern Mississippi. However, black and gold act as more than just representative colors. Black and gold are the colors of every Eagle’s heart, both past and present.